WELLINGTON, Aug. 15 (Xinhua) -- New Zealand will host APEC in 2021 with Leaders' Week to be held in Auckland from Nov. 8 to Nov. 14, Foreign Minister Gerry Brownlee said in a statement on Tuesday.
"With Auckland also set to host the America's Cup, 2021 will be a big year for the country's biggest city," Brownlee said in a statement, adding "we are announcing the dates as early as possible to provide some clarity for planning, which is already under way."
APEC 2021 will be the largest event ever hosted by the New Zealand government and is "a wonderful opportunity for New Zealand to shine on the international stage," Brownlee said.
Auckland last hosted APEC in 1999.
APEC will bring world leaders to New Zealand and create significant opportunities to promote New Zealand's economic interests with trading nations including China, the U.S. and Japan, he said, adding that the Asia-Pacific is the fastest growing economic region in the world and APEC is its leading economic forum.
APEC member economies account for almost half of all global trade, and more than 70 percent of New Zealand's goods and services are exported to APEC economies, the minister said.
It is expected that APEC will attract up to 22,000 international attendees to the 12 significant APEC-related events held throughout the year, with around 10,000 attendees expected for Leaders' Week, he said.
"While Auckland is confirmed to host the Leaders' Week, we intend to spread meetings and events across other large cities, including Christchurch, to showcase the very best of New Zealand's capability, innovation, culture and amazing landscapes," Brownlee said.
